The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Ronald B. Wilton, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 20 September 1980 while serving as coxswain of motor life boat (MLB) 30201. During this period he was engaged in the rescue of personnel from the charter boat NANCY H, which had capsized and broken up while attempting to cross the Tillamook Bay bar. Dispatched from Coast Guard Station Tillamook Bay, Petty Officer WILTON arrived on scene and spotted eight persons clinging to a raft. Displaying expert seamanship, Petty Officer Wilton maneuvered the MLB through the debris-strewn 15-foot seas and passed a line to the raft. As the raft neared the MLB, a 20-foot breaker washed the raft away. Seven of the survivors were able to maintain their grasp on the raft. Immediately backing the MLB down, Petty Officer Wilton passed a second line to the raft. With the raft alongside the MLB, Petty Officer Wilton assisted in bringing the seven survivors aboard the severely rolling MLB. With the survivors safely onboard, Petty Officer Wilton maneuvered to bring the eighth person alongside the MLB and assisted in pulling him to safety. With no remaining survivors in sight, Petty Officer Wilton proceeded outside the breaking Tillamook Bar and directed his crew to administer to the survivors. He was then informed by Station Tillamook Bay that one person remained missing. Petty Officer Wilton immediately proceeded in and crossed the breaking bar. Although operating in the vicinity of debris and mountainous seas, the remaining victim was spotted floating in the most treacherous part of the bar. Without hesitation, Petty Officer Wilton turned the MLB almost parallel to the breakers, positioned the vessel for the recovery, and assisted his crewmen in the recovery of the victim. Afterwards, he directed his crew to commence CPR as he proceeded to the Station mooring. Petty Officer Wilton demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger during this rescue. His unselfish actions, courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United Sates Coast Guard.